Somewhere, it's written in stone. You're never too old for a train ride, a cup of hot chocolate and a tease of the Christmas season. The Polar Express Train Ride, a special train ride downtown at the newly revamped Union Station, delivers that in full.
A little over 14 years ago, Robert Zemeckis and Tom Hanks delivered a special holiday treat to movie audiences with The Polar Express. To no one's surprise, it was a box office hit and registers 14 years later. So much, that each November, the special movie themed train ride returns to the city, whisking kids and their parents on a ride that covers the better part of downtown, including the Arch grounds and Laclede's Landing.
Kids of all ages and even teenagers who experienced the film in theater a long time ago are immediately transported when they enter a tent located near the train that includes a fireplace, games, colorful festive interior, and of course, the movie being played on a loop. For parents, you'll smile and watch the little ones run around and get ready to board the train.
The plot of the film followed a young kid who had become disillusioned with the holiday and lost the Christmas spirit, but all of that changes when a mysterious train shows up on his street to take him on the ride of a lifetime.
Hanks may be absent, but there is a conductor in each car, elves on staff, and even the mysterious bum in overhauls hauling his belongings on a stick inside the train handing out signature advice like in the movie. Everybody is dancing and singing throughout and play their part. Each family sits at a table and is greeted with a chocolate chip cookie and a very chipper chef. My son, Vincent, and his friend, Charlie, got a kick out of these characters, and soaked up the experience. The ride lasts roughly 45 minutes, and you'll want to get there 45 minutes early to fully prepare.
I wouldn't be spoiling much to say that a certain fella clothed in red with a large white beard makes an appearance at one point, and that the train ride is quite relaxing for the adults looking after the kids. Sure, Josh Groban's song that plays near the end of the film never needed to be heard again, but you roll with the punches due to the elation that will show up on your child's face.
On this train ride, parents and kids are encouraged to wear pajamas, just like the kids did in the movie. Stepping into character is a part of stepping into the world of this movie, which marked a true upgrade and transformation in special effects in animated films. Seeing the animated Tom Hanks as the conductor, bum, and Santa was disconcerting at first, but quite impressive. The ride has the same type of feel. At some point, you may roll your eyes, but as the ride did for the kid in the movie, the spirit of the holidays should knock those feelings right out.
At the end of the day, the Polar Express Train Ride will get your kids ready for Christmas. A month and some change early, they will be talking about this experience long after the night is over. After all, the experience is everything when it comes to the movies. This train ride provides quite the night for kids of all ages. Did I mention there was free hot chocolate?
I personally love Christmas and everything it stands for, so I was ready for this and more importantly, ready to see my kid amazed and taken back to the first time we watched the movie together. With a little suspension of disbelief and comfort of clothing, The Polar Express: St. Louis is just the ticket for your weekend pleasure. Go check it out.
